Thoughts on technolgy-driven change in business, the economy and Mr. Market.

Sunday, October 10, 2004

Nuthin' But An "i" Thang

Wow. As if we needed a bigger sign that consumer electronics are the new "dot coms."

Snoop Dogg is sporting a diamond-encrusted iPod in his latest video. When Snoop steps up to the iPod, it's more than an Apple shout out (or sign of product placement loochie from H-P?): it's proof that innovation in technology has moved from the era of Internet companies and networkers, and is back in the hands of, well, hands. Gadgets. Handhelds. High tech for the retail market. Cool stuff for the common rapper.

Whether it's GPS devices in the car... sorry... in your ride (sticking with the hip hop theme), the rapid adoption of the Blackberry/Treo/Sidekick, or the ubiquity of the camera phone, all of a sudden, consumer electronics are aiiight.

Will this show up in Apple's earnings Wednesday? Fo Shilzzle mah Nizzle! The iPod has moved from being a bit player among Apple's revenue streams to the central driver for the company. While every product release from rivals seems to threaten the iPod, Snoop's endorsement suggests that the iPod is more than the rappers delight - it's the dominant embodiment of the possibility of technology in our lives... which is why shares of Apple are up over 150% since the announcement of Apple's iTunes.

Still, one thing's been bothering me about our Man from the L.B.C.: How does Snoop Dogg say "chisel"?